SnapChat launches new map-based feature Snap Map that allows you to see the location of friends

SnapChat is adding to its innovative resume. Yesterday (June 21st), it announced its newest feature, Snap Map. The new feature functions a lot like Zenly, a social mapping start up company that Snap Inc. recently bought for a reported $250 to $350 million.

With the map-based feature, you can now share your location with friends, connecting with them in a new way. Once you enable your location and Snap, you will appear in Bitmoji form on a map that is similar to a heated weather map. Locations with a high volume of Snaps will appear in red while locations that aren't as active will appear in yellow.

Besides being able to see your friends' whereabouts, Snap Map gives you the ability to see what is going on around the world in-real time. You can view Snaps of sporting events, concerts, celebrations, protests, and breaking news and be there without actually being there. In a way, its like a visual form of Twitter.

Most social media platforms focus on what you did or are doing, but Snap Inc's mission with Snap Map is to show people what is happening and inspire them to get out. Whether it's meeting up with a group of friends, attending a event in their area, or joining a protest, it hopes to create a sense of FOMO. On it's blog, it says:

"We've built a whole new way to explore the world! See what's happening, find your friends, and get inspired to go on an adventure!"

In theory, the idea is great, however will it actually work? It really depends on how comfortable people are with sharing their location in real-time. Personally, I don't think I will enable my location and that is coming from a person who embraces social media and geotagging content.

For more on Snap Map, watch the introduction video below and check out their announcement blog.